ORIGINAL: jernejk
Hi!
I'm thinking about getting into pattern for some time now. At a local meeting today I've seen an older guy flying his pattern plane (an older model) and it was awesome to watch, especially between all the other "helter skelter" pilots. It would be cool to fly like that!
So, how do I start? And which model to choose? There are so many models today that it's impossible to choose ONE. And I'm sick of cheap models that look good, but just don't fly that well; I want a model that's well known to be good. For practical reasons, I'd prefer a 40-50 size model, and most probably EP.
After much browsing and reading, I've got a candidate - Kyosho Oxalys. But, on the other hand, I wonder:
- does the plane have any bad habits?
- how hard is it to land?
- is it too good plane for a pattern beginner pilot? Will it just make me look stupid?
My experience:
I've been flying for 4 years now. I've flown: first small electric plane then .40 glow trainer, .40 low wing trainer.
Currently I'm flying Phoenix Giles .40. In my opinion it's not a very pleasant plane to fly and has some bad habits...
Thanks
Jernej
Every plane has its habbits in one way or another: some bad some good.
The Oxalys, IMHO, doesnt really have any bad habbits when flown like it should be flown.
If I had to point out one bad habbit it would be the slight lack of right thrust with the engine but that could simply be me and my mounting technique. This is easily taken care of by mixing but I really dislike mixing (fly the plane rather than cheat)
This plane does not slow down and crawl in on landing but it does not land like a jet either (my control throws could make me keep my speed up higher than the plane actually needs). I would say it is about average and loves nice 3 point landings.
Mine wabbles back and fourth in the stall and tries to drop a wing but thats okay because it is not a 3d bird. When flaring in ground effect on landing, I do not notice the tendancy (mine meets the ground when the elevator stick is at full travel).
If I had to summarize it, I would say.......
- A Saito 72 will power the craft perfectly with no need for anything larger (the vertical legs are incredible and will allow you to overshoot the box easily if you compete: I do not)
- It will actually make you look like a better pilot
- For me it was a perfect beginner patten plane with the ability to compete with the best of them.
The only drawback is I had to add some tail weight which was a rather easy fix.
Cheers, Sawacs